WorkSafeBC

WorkSafe Magazine - July/August 2008

In this issue: Smoke-free workplaces, Carbon monoxide, WHMIS, and more.

WorkSafeBC hosts information session on infectious diseases in high-risk communities

On Tuesday, October 14, 2008, WorkSafeBC is hosting a half-day information session on "Infectious Diseases in High Risk Communities" for social service and community care employers and workers. The focus will be on current and emerging trends in treating diseases such as MRSA and TB.

$1,500 up for grabs in CSSE Prevention Solutions Contest

WorkSafeBC, the Canadian Society of Safety Engineering (CSSE), the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board Ontario, and the Safety and Compensation Commission of New Brunswick are accepting entries for the 2008 Prevention Solutions Contest.

"Slow down - our daddy works here" say children of municipal workers

WorkSafeBC, the Township of Langley, and the City of Pitt Meadows unveil signs that encourage drivers to slow down near public work areas so that workers are protected from potential injury.

No more excuses for drinking and driving

Drinking and driving isn’t cool, and neither is making excuses. That’s why WorkSafeBC has joined ICBC in reminding everyone who plans on drinking this summer to also make plans to get home safely.

WorkSafeBC's Board of Directors approves changes to the Claims Cost Levy Policy

At their meeting on May 28, 2008, the Board of Directors approved a Resolution to harmonize Prevention Policy Item D24-73-1 on claim cost levies with section 73.1 of the Workers Compensation Act.

Upgrades to online clearance letter application released

Upgrades to WorkSafeBC’s online Clearance Letter application have gone live. Beginning today, you’ll notice significant improvements.

Proposed Policy Amendments Regarding Notification of Decisions and Notification of Rights of Review and Appeal

WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors has approved the release of a discussion paper with options and proposed policy amendments to stakeholders for comment.

Rule #101: I’m the Bro, you’re the pro

This summer, Classic Rock 101 and WorkSafeBC are partnering to raise awareness about construction-worker safety in B.C. ― the Bro Jake way. The motto of the Rule #101 campaign is: “I’m the Bro, you’re the pro.”

WorkSafeBC says Project Heavy Duty Is Training Future Industry Leaders

WorkSafeBC and Project Heavy Duty have partnered to give students an opportunity to experience heavy equipment training, a key part of which includes rigorous safety orientation…

Be Sure… Be Safe

WorkSafeBC presents three new videos that illustrate the hazards of working alone in the community with aggressive and potentially violent patients, patient handling activities, and needle use. Each video segment portrays situations care workers might encounter on the job.

Alert to employers: No need to purchase WHMIS training courses/materials to comply with the Regulation

Employers want to know what’s required by provincial/federal WHMIS legislation, whether they must purchase workplace training from companies/businesses offering these services to be in compliance, and if WorkSafeBC endorses training provided by these companies/businesses.

WorkSafeBC Chair Appointed

Dr. Roslyn Kunin has been appointed chair of WorkSafeBC’s Board of Directors, succeeding Douglas Enns. Dr. Kunin has been a director, serving as a public interest representative, for nearly six years, and more recently as vice chair…

Ad campaign urges forestry workers to stay focused on the job

WorkSafeBC has partnered with the Safety / Health Awareness Research Program (SHARP), United Steelworkers, and BC Forestry Safety Council to produce a TV ad urging forestry workers in B.C.’s Interior to stay safe on the job by focusing on the task at hand.

New ad campaign reminds people to “think twice before lifting once”

For a second year, WorkSafeBC and the BC Chiropractic Association have partnered to create an ad campaign designed to raise awareness about back health.

Orienting, training and supervising young workers key to preventing injury

In 2007, six young BC workers (aged 15 - 24) died while working as a deck hand, a quarry truck driver, a diamond driller, a labourer, a mill worker and a diver ...

WorkSafeBC and Oil and Gas work together to reduce injuries

While B.C.’s petroleum industry’s injury rate is about one-half the provincial rate, the problem with the severity and duration of injuries to oil and gas workers must be addressed. This assessment came from WorkSafeBC prior to the Petroleum Safety Conference, May 6-9 in Banff.

Changes to WorkSafeBC’s forestry regulations take effect May 1, 2008

The amendments address the changing nature of B.C.'s forest sector, and provide better protection to workers in the areas of supervision and planning, as well as increased safety standards when working in proximity to machinery.

Information session: How to safely move bariatric patients

WorkSafeBC is hosting an information session on strategies and equipment required to safely transport, lift, and move bariatric patients (weighing 100+ lbs over their ideal body weight) within and between healthcare facilities …

Information session: Violence in high-risk communities

WorkSafeBC is hosting a half-day information session on violence in high-risk communities for social service and community care employers and workers …

Board of Directors’ Decision on Loss of Earnings Section 251 Referral

At its meeting on March 19, 2008, the Board of Directors made a decision that policy item #40.00 of the Rehabilitation Services and Claims Manual, Vol. II, is supported by the Workers Compensation Act and that the WCAT must apply it. The Board of Directors’ decision letter is available for review.

Proposed policy amendments regarding multiple classification

The Board of Directors approved the release of a discussion paper with options and proposed policy amendments to stakeholders for comment.

2008 public hearings

The Board of Directors approved public hearings in May-June 2008 for proposed amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

NAOSHWeek 2008

The North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, May 4-10, is a time for employers, workers, and partners in occupational health and safety to focus on preventing workplace injury and illness. Find out how…

Amended Working Alone or in Isolation Regulations begin February 1^st

Amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation to improve the health and safety of workers that are working alone or in isolation take the effect of law beginning February 1, 2008.

Implementation of new working alone or in isolation provisions

Changes to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation dealing with working alone and fuel prepayment will become law on February 1, 2008. Those affected by or interested in the changes are encouraged to read the following information.

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